Naga society thoroughly divided, says Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio

November 8, 2022 42 Views No Comment

Lakhuti, November 8 (MExN): While extending Tokhu Emong greetings to the people of Lakhuti village on Monday, Chief Minister Neiphiu noted that the Naga society is ‘thoroughly divided’ into various groups, societies, organisations, as well as individuals both ‘over-ground and underground.’

The Naga society talks about a solution to the Naga political issue but there is much there is ‘clanism,’ tribalism but continue to harbour ‘ism,’ he said while underscoring the need to come to a level of ‘Naga-ism’ in order for the Naga issue to be resolved, and to live in harmony in Nagaland.

Stating this during the Tokhu Emong celebration at Lakhuti village in Wokha district, Rio also observed that the celebration is appropriate and maintained that the Naga people we have been reviving all the richness of their culture and traditions, a DIPR report stated.

Soon, in the ‘Land of Festivals’ all the tribes would come together and culminate the festivities at the Hornbill Festival to promote the rich Naga traditional culture and showcase the Naga identity, he said.

According to Rio, the British and even the Government of India has recognised the uniqueness of Naga history and position during the present ceasefire and negotiations. He called on the people to uphold their self-respect.

Stating that this is his first visit to Lakhuti, Rio noted that the village has produced a lot of leaders, officers, educationists and many different eminent personalities. The village is celebrating Tokhu Emong signifying the hard labour and sweat that the people have put in to get the harvest for which ‘you have to give thanks to almighty for all the blessing,’ he said.

Though in the past, the forefathers worshipped nature, Rio said that as Christians now, ‘we have carried forward this tradition, the rich culture of the Nagas,’ as it is right thing to do. Towards this end, he said that the State Government has come up with a compilation of documents on how to keep tradition, culture and important festivals alive.

He also emphasised on respecting one’s elders, honouring them and making them feel good that the rich traditions are being passed on from generations after generations. He also recounted the tradition of each village looking out to uplift even the poorest person, and said that such practices are why the community is very strong. This principle of loving and caring for one another along with the principle of truthfulness, honesty and simplicity should be upheld, he added.

Rio also spoke about the history of British in the Naga Hills and the protection accorded to the Nagas under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873. He also mentioned the Nine-point Agreement of 1947 which was not honoured by the Government of India and the subsequent 16-Point Agreement of 1960 and the Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India which gives the Naga people the protection to practice their customs and traditions. In this connection, he maintained that it is the right thing to do to protect and promote the rich cultural traditions and said it was how the State Government named Nagaland State as the Land of Festivals.

Rio said that it is because of its fertile and rich natural resources that Wokha district is called as ‘Land of Plenty’ and it is through education that the people can make use of the resources.

He further, called on the people to spread the message for all the Nagas to come together and work to solve the Naga political issue, through this festival. If the solution does not come, as per the taken oath under the Constitution of India, when election time comes, we will have to contest, he added.

Others who spoke at the event included Advisor for Horticulture & Border Affairs, Mhathung Yanthan highlighted some of the ‘achievements’ taken up in the road sector and also the project for constructing a playground at Lakhuti village under Khelo India which is likely to be completed soon.

Attributing these achievements to the help and support given by the Chief Minister, Yanthan urged the people to continue to support the government so that more aspirations can be achieved.

He also elaborated on the significance of the festival and said that it is a time to forgive, time to reconcile and a time to build relations. ‘Let us try to emulate the principles and the great values that our forefathers has passed down to us through generations,’ he added.

Rio was accompanied by Minister for Agriculture G Kaito Aye, Minister for Rural Development Metsubo Jamir, and Advisor for Law & Justice Dr Chumben Murry and a host of dignitaries and party officials, the report stated.

Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/naga-society-thoroughly-divided-says-chief-minister-neiphiu-rio